How to Receive Temporary Social Security Benefits
Qualifying for temporary Social Security benefits has never been more difficult. However, with the proper documentation, you should be able to receive Social Security benefits in a timely manner. Follow these instructions to ensure that your application for benefits is approved.
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Things You'll Need
- Valid medical diagnosis
- Documentation of your disability
- Proof that your disability prevents you from working
Instructions
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Obtaining Temporary Social Security Bennefits
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Prove that you need the benefits by documenting your disability before you apply. The Social Security Administration will require you to sign a release of information for all physicians who treated you for your disability. It is beneficial to you to know what these doctors will say ahead of time. Your physicians must agree that you are unable to work and that your disability will last one year or longer. The Social Security Administration has a list of qualifying disabilities that you should review.
You must also have a financial need; if you have a large savings account or too many assets, your benefits will be denied. You will be required to provide all of your banking information and a 15-year work history. -
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Fill out the application for Social Security benefits as well as an Adult Disability Report. If you worked steadily before your disability, you will apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. If you don't have a steady work history, you will apply for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. You can apply online, over the phone or at the Social Security office. A translator is available if English is not your primary language or if you are hearing impaired. Once your application has been processed, you will be scheduled for an interview. This can be done over the phone or at the Social Security office. It is imperative that you keep this appointment.
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Be patient. It could take up to 90 days for benefits to be approved or denied. In the meanwhile, make ends meet through unemployment benefits or general relief, a county program provided to low-income adults. Neither of these pay a lot of money, so plan to live frugally. If you break down and go to work, even if the job duties do not aggravate your medical condition, the Social Security Administration may see this as a red flag.
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Be persistent. You can and should appeal any denial you receive. There are lawyers who will help you through this process. Once you are approved, you will receive payment retroactively from the date of your first application. If you are truly disabled and are still denied or if you become disabled on the job, your lawyer will most likely work on a contingency basis.
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Tips & Warnings
Be persistent! Plan a way to meet your financial needs without working. Retain a lawyer if you can.
Resources
- Photo Credit Money by Emdot
